Leading the surge was winger Patrick Kane, who was November player of the month with nine goals and 19 points. That was enough to move him up to second in the scoring race and fourth in the panel's MVP vote.

The Blackhawks' Duncan Keith grabbed the top spot in the defenseman race, getting five first-place votes to edge reigning Norris Trophy winner P.K. Subban (Montreal Canadiens) by one point.

Chicago's bid to stay on top now rests with Antti Raatta, who has temporarily taken over as No. 1 goaltender after Corey Crawford was injured making a save.

Crawford will miss at least Tuesday's game in Dallas.

In other power rankings categories, Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby (MVP) and San Jose's Tomas Hertl (rookie) strengthened their leads while Minnesota's Josh Harding grabbed the top spot in the goaltending race.